Dispensing System for Sanitary Tissue Products

ABSTRACT

A soft-sided package having an outer wrap and a plurality of sanitary tissue products disposed within the outer wrap is provided. The outer wrap is made from a structured wrap material, and the plurality of sanitary tissues has a structured sanitary tissue.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packages for sanitary tissue products, in particular soft-sided packages for sanitary tissue products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sanitary tissue products, such as facial tissue, are typically provided in paperboard cartons or similarly rigid containers. Such cartons have their drawbacks. For instance, consumers often desire a more flexible yet durable package and/or water resistant package, which would permit maintaining sanitary tissue products in more areas (e.g., bathrooms, cars, etc.). Further, manufacturers of sanitary tissue products desire a way to better communicate the properties of their products through the feel of their packaging.

Flexible containers have been developed for sanitary tissue products but still present undesired limitations. For instance, current flexible packages lack a premium feel and/or structural features that connotes to consumers high quality and/or tactile properties of the products contained within. Likewise, current flexible packages are often substantially opaque, precluding a consumer from viewing the contents, or substantially transparent providing no artistic features to connote characteristics about the package contents. In addition, current flexible packages often provide seals across their bottom side or in other undesirable areas, obstructing aesthetic designs and/or brand information. Similarly, aesthetic designs are obstructed by the amount of written information that must be provided at the point of sale.

Manufacturers are also faced with stability problems arising from flexible packaging. Flexible packaging lacks the rigidity of paperboard and therefore cannot stand as easily on store shelves, leading to a disorganized or chaotic appearance. In addition, the lack of rigidity may cause tears in a flexible package, especially in the dispensing opening, during shipping and display as consumers and store staff handle the products.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a flexible package that has textural, structural and artistic features that connote characteristics about the package contents and/or provides a more appealing texture than known packages. Moreover, there is a need to provide a flexible package that has optimal space for its aesthetic design and written information without obstruction of package seals. In addition, there is a need for added stability for flexible packages that result in better sales presentation, dispensing and/or protection during shipping and handling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses one or more of the above problems by providing a dispensing system that connotes properties about its contents, optimizes space for aesthetic design and brand information and enhances stability. In an embodiment, a soft-sided package having an outer wrap and a plurality of sanitary tissue products disposed with the outer wrap is provided. The outer wrap may comprise a structured wrap material, and the plurality of sanitary tissue products may comprise a structured sanitary tissue product.

In another embodiment, a soft-sided package comprising an outer wrap substantially surrounding a stack of sanitary tissue products is provided. The package comprises a paper stack compressibility to wrap thickness ratio of about 2/log(gsi) or greater. The wrap thickness is measured at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.

In an additional embodiment, a soft-sided package having an outer wrap and a plurality of sanitary tissue products disposed within the outer wrap, where the package has a wrap thickness to paper thickness ratio of about 0.6 or less is provided. The wrap thickness and the paper thickness are measured under a compression pressure of 300 gsi.

In another embodiment, a soft-side package comprises an outer wrap and a sanitary tissue product disposed within the outer wrap, where the outer wrap comprises a wrap bending modulus of about 1800 MPa or less at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is schematic view of an outer wrap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a soft-sided package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a soft-sided package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a soft-sided package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a soft-sided package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a soft-sided package in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a soft-sided package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9B-9D are schematic views of stiffeners in accordance with a nonlimiting examples of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a plan view of a structured sanitary tissue product in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the paper web of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a exploded view of a dispensing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bottom of a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial, schematic view of a sleeve in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a dispensing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of a dispensing system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of an array in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“Brand information” as used herein means any descriptions, depictions, objects or other indicia relating to a brand (i.e., a single source identifier which identifies a product and/or service as exclusively coming from a single commercial source). Nonlimiting examples of a brand are PUFFS® facial tissue, CHARMIN® bath tissue, and BOUNTY® paper towels. PUFFS®, CHARMIN® and BOUNTY® are also trademarks. Nonlimiting examples of brand information are brand names, brand insignia (e.g., objects, words, colors, shapes or other indicia that can be used to distinguish, identify or represent the manufacturer, retailer, distributor or brand of a product, including but not limited to trademarks, logos, emblems, symbols, designs, figures, fonts, lettering, crests or similar identifying marks), slogans, history, mascots, endorsements, certifications, recommendations and claims regarding brand performance, quality, recognition or consumers' preferences for the brand.

“Sanitary tissue product” as used herein means one or more finished fibrous products, converted or not, that is useful as a wiping implement for post-urinary and post-bowel movement cleaning (e.g., toilet tissue and wet wipes), for otorhinolaryngological discharges (e.g., facial tissue), and multi-functional absorbent and cleaning uses (e.g., paper towels and shop towels). The sanitary tissue products can be embossed or not embossed, creped or uncreped, single or multi-ply.

A “structured sanitary tissue product” as used herein means a sanitary tissue product having one or more wet-formed (formed while the fibers are yet to be fully dried) textural elements, intentionally formed during the papermaking process. When a sanitary tissue product is laid substantially flat in an x-y plane, a textural element is a deformation in the product having a z-direction dimension extending above or below the plane of the sanitary tissue product. In this case, z-direction is orthogonal both the machine direction and cross machine direction, such that the machine direction, cross machine direction and z-direction form a Cartesian coordinate system. Through-air-drying (TAD) processes are known to make structured sanitary tissue products. Likewise, processes utilizing photo-curable resin patterned through-air-drying papermaking belts are known to make structured sanitary tissue products. A structured sanitary tissue product may have textural elements extending from about 180 microns to about 730 microns in the z-direction as measured from the non-deformed portion of the sanitary tissue product to the highest point of the textural element. Non-limiting examples of collection devices and/or fabric and/or belts suitable for imparting wet-formed textural elements to a sanitary tissue product include those fabrics and/or belts used in fabric creping and/or belt creping processes, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,820,008 and 7,789,995, coarse through-air-drying fabrics as used in uncreped through-air-drying processes, and photo-curable resin patterned through-air-drying belts, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,859. In addition, a structured sanitary tissue product may further comprise one or more dry-formed textures (i.e., formed after the fibers are dry) which typically occurs during converting processes such as embossing. The textural elements of a structure sanitary tissue product may be disposed in a pattern, or they may be disposed randomly. The textual elements may be uniform or nonuniform.

Conventional wet pressed sanitary tissue products do not have wet-formed textural elements intentionally formed during the papermaking process.

The sanitary tissue product (whether structured or not) may be segmented into individual segments of sanitary tissue products having discrete lengths. An individual segment of sanitary tissue products can then be folded upon itself and subsequently stacked and/or interleaved with the remaining individual segments. Such stacked and/or interleaved sanitary tissue products can then be inserted into appropriate packaging consistent with the present disclosure. Packages for containing and dispensing stacked and/or interleaved sheet materials disposed inside can generally be divided into two principal types. The first type enables stacked and interfolded sheets to “pop-up” to dispense through an opening in the top wall of the package. Such pop-up dispensers provide partial withdrawal of the next successive tissue upon pulling sheets out one at a time from the package. The second type of package facilitates dispensing of a stack of sheets that are generally not interfolded by providing an opening in at least one of the package walls to enable a user to reach into the package and remove one or more of the sheets at a time. This latter type of package is commonly known as a “reach-in” package.

Alternatively, a sanitary tissue product may be convolutely wound upon itself about a core or without a core to form a sanitary tissue product roll. Lines of perforation can be provided within the length of the wound product to facilitate separation of adjacent portions of the convolutely wound sanitary tissue product.

The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may comprise additives such as softening agents, temporary wet strength agents, permanent wet strength agents, bulk softening agents, lotions, silicones, wetting agents, latexes, especially surface-pattern-applied latexes, dry strength agents such as carboxymethylcellulose and starch, and other types of additives suitable for inclusion in and/or on sanitary tissue products.

The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may exhibit a basis weight from about 5 g/m² to about 120 g/m², or from about 10 g/m² to about 75 g/m², or from about 10 g/m² to about 50 g/m². In another embodiment, the sanitary tissue products of the present invention may exhibit a basis weight of about 15 g/m² (9.2 lbs/3000 ft²) to about 120 g/m² (73.8 lbs/3000 ft²) and/or from about 15 g/m² (9.2 lbs/3000 ft²) to about 110 g/m² (67.7 lbs/3000 ft²) and/or from about 20 g/m² (12.3 lbs/3000 ft²) to about 100 g/m² (61.5 lbs/3000 ft²) and/or from about 30 (18.5 lbs/3000 ft²) to 90 g/m² (55.4 lbs/3000 ft²). In yet another embodiment, the sanitary tissue products of the present invention may exhibit a basis weight between about 40 g/m² (24.6 lbs/3000 ft²) to about 120 g/m² (73.8 lbs/3000 ft²) and/or from about 50 g/m² (30.8 lbs/3000 ft²) to about 110 g/m² (67.7 lbs/3000 ft²) and/or from about 55 g/m² (33.8 lbs/3000 ft²) to about 105 g/m² (64.6 lbs/3000 ft²) and/or from about 60 g/m² (36.9 lbs/3000 ft²) to 100 g/m² (61.5 lbs/3000 ft²).

“Structured wrap material” as used herein means wrap material for use in forming an outer wrap and having one or more textural elements formed during the manufacturing of the material (e.g., during the making of the material from fibers, plastics, chemicals or other base components or during converting of the material to a finished outer wrap). When the material is laid substantially flat in an x-y plane, a textural element is a deformation in the material having a z-direction dimension extending above or below the plane of the material. In this case, z-direction is orthogonal both the machine direction and cross machine direction, such that the machine direction, cross machine direction and z-direction form a Cartesian coordinate system. The textural elements may comprise embossments or microembossments. The textural elements may be disposed in a pattern, or they may be disposed randomly. The textual elements may be uniform or nonuniform. The structured wrap material may be a film material. In an embodiment, the structured wrap material is a microembossed film that can have a soft feel.

“Reading orientation” as used herein means any angle at which a letter, word, or symbol is positioned with respect to a reader such that it is in its intended orientation to be read or interpreted by a consumer when the product is viewed by the consumer in a given position. Thus, for example, in FIG. 2, the words “Brand Super Soft” are at a reading orientation for a reader viewing the indicia 20 while the height dimensions, H₁ and H₂, of the dispensing system 10 are perpendicular to the horizontal shelf 22. Likewise, the letters “ABCD”, although oriented differently, are still in a reading orientation for a reader viewing the indicia 20 while the dispensing system 10 is in the same position. The reading orientation of “ABCD” in this case is preferable when positioning a plurality of dispensing systems 10 side-by-side such that the side with “ABCD” is facing the reader. As explained in detail below, FIG. 17 shows multiple reading orientations for indicia 20 provided on the same sleeve 16. In an embodiment where indicia such as a trademark or brand name is in a curved orientation, a reading orientation can be such that at a midpoint of the curved word or symbol, an imaginary tangent line bisects the word or symbol in the traditional (i.e., straight) reading orientation.

“Machine Direction,” MD, as used herein is the direction of manufacture for a sanitary tissue product. The machine direction can be the direction in which sanitary tissue product progresses during its manufacture, such that the MD is parallel to a length direction of material.

“Cross Machine Direction,” CD as used herein is the direction substantially perpendicular to the machine direction.

“Film” is intended to include any flexible polymeric materials, including foils, polymer sheets, co-extrusions, laminates, and combinations thereof. Film may be fabricated from a polymer that does not have adhesive characteristics, which may be made from homogeneous resins or blends thereof. The properties of a selected film can include, though are not restricted to, combinations or degrees of being: porous, non-porous, microporous, gas or liquid permeable, non-permeable, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, hydroscopic, oleophilic, oleophobic, high critical surface tension, low critical surface tension, surface pre-textured, elastically yieldable, plastically yieldable, electrically conductive, and electrically non-conductive. Such materials can be homogeneous or composition combinations.

Film may be made from homogeneous resins or blends thereof. Single or multiple layers within the film structure are contemplated, whether co-extruded, extrusion-coated, laminated or combined by other known means. Useful resins include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), latex structures, nylon, etc.

Polyolefins tend to be lower in cost and relatively easy to form but are not necessary to practice the invention. High density polyethylene (HDPE) may be used fabricate the film. Other suitable materials to fabricate the film from include, but are not limited to, aluminum foil, coated (waxed, etc.) and uncoated paper, coated and uncoated wovens, scrims, meshes, nonwovens, and perforated or porous films, and combinations thereof.

Overview

The present invention comprises a dispensing system 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 10 comprises a soft-sided package 12, made of an outer wrap 14 and having a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15 housed within it. The dispensing system 10 may optionally comprise a relatively rigid sleeve 16 that substantially and circumferentially surrounds a portion of the soft-sided package 12, as shown in FIG. 2. The sleeve 16 is made of a material 18 that has a rigidity greater than the rigidity of the outer wrap 14. The soft-sided package 12 can have indicia 20 displayed, such as printed brand information 26 as well as other design elements 28. The sleeve 16 provides additional space for indicia 20 and design elements 30 as well as stability for the displaying and handling the soft-sided package 12. In one embodiment, the soft-sided package 12 and sleeve 16 are oriented vertically on a horizontal shelf 22 and at least a portion of the sleeve 16 is in contacting relationship with the shelf 22. Other features and benefits of the dispensing system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are discussed in more detail below.

The Soft-Sided Package

Turning to FIG. 3, the soft-sided package 12 of the present invention comprises an outer wrap 14, which can formed into a substantially parallelepiped structure or other suitable shape for housing a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15. In an embodiment, the outer wrap 14 may comprise a film. In another embodiment, the outer wrap 14 may comprise a structured wrap material 141, such as material having an embossment 142 and/or a microembossment 143. In one nonlimiting example, the outer wrap 14 may have a basis weight of about 32 gsm to about 72 gsm, or about 40 gsm to about 60 gsm, or about 50 gsm according to the Wrap Basis Weight Test Method herein. In another nonlimiting example, the outer wrap 14 may have a caliper (i.e., wrap thickness, t_(wrap)) at 95 gsi of force of greater than about 40 μm, or greater than about 50 μm, or from about 70 μm to about 110 μm, or from about 71 μm to about 91 μm. In yet another nonlimiting example, the outer wrap 14 may have a caliper (i.e., a wrap thickness, t_(wrap)) at 300 gsi of force (i.e., at a compression pressure of 300 gsi) of about 1.5 mils or greater, or about 2 mils or greater, or from about 2 mils to about 4.3 mils, or from about 2.5 mils to about 4 mils, or about 4 mils or less, or about 2.75 mils in accordance with the Paper Stack Compressibility Test Method herein. In a further embodiment, the outer wrap 14 may comprise a wrap bending modulus of about 1800 MPa or less, or about 1500 MPa or less or about 1000 MPa or less, or about 800 MPa or less, or about 500 MPa to about 1000 MPa, or about 600 MPa to about 800 MPa, with each range relating to the bending modulus at a thickness, t_(wrap), measured under a compression pressure of 300 gsi in accordance with the Plate Stiffness Test Method herein. The wrap bending modulus is a measure of a material's resistance to being deformed. In other words, the lower the wrap bending modulus value, the more flexible the material is. It is believed that the bending modulus values disclosed herein provide the benefit of indicating to an end user the properties of sanitary tissue products 15 contained within the package 12 (e.g., soft and flexible). Likewise, the wrap bending modulus values within the scope of the present invention may provide a more flexible package that can withstand shipping and handling.

In yet another nonlimiting example, the 1% MD secant modulus of the outer wrap 14 may be about 170,000 kPa or less, or 150,000 kPa or less, or about 110,000 kPa or less. The 1% CD secant modulus of the outer wrap 14 may be about 240,000 kPa or less, or about 200,000 kPa or less, or about 150,000 kPa or less, or about 111,000 kPa or less. The MD and/or CD secant modulus are believed to be a good indicator of an outer wrap's flexibility. Surprisingly, an outer wrap 14 in accordance with the present invention may present a low 1% MD secant modulus and/or low 1% CD secant modulus despite having a relatively high caliper (i.e., a caliper greater than that of typical polyethylene wraps used for sanitary tissue product packaging) as shown in Table 1. In an embodiment, the 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio (i.e., 1% MD secant modulus divided by caliper) is about 5 MPa/μm or less, or about 3 MPa/μm or less. In another embodiment, the 1% CD secant modulus to caliper ratio (i.e., 1% CD secant modulus divided by caliper) is about 7 MPa/μm or less, or about 5 MPa/μm or less, or about 3 MPa/μm or less. In other words, the outer wrap 14 is flexible yet thicker than polyethylene wraps typically used on sanitary tissue product packaging and thinner than heavy duty wrap materials, providing a premium feel for the end user without jeopardizing flexibility or integrity. In short, the properties of the outer wrap 14 of the present invention fall within a sweet spot so to speak. The MD secant modulus and CD secant modulus values may be determined using ASTM D-882. In one nonlimiting example, the outer wrap 14 may be embossed or microembossed.

One suitable outer wrap 14 for use in the present invention is CLOPAY MICROFLEX®, available from Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. Tables 1-4 illustrate the differences in properties of the outer wrap 14 of present invention versus other packaging materials.

TABLE 1 Units mils g/cm³ cm³/g # MPa gsm t_(wrap) Wrap Density Wrap Bulk N*mm # sheets Wrap Bending Wrap BW (gsm) @300 gsi for t_(wrap) for t_(wrap) Wrap Plate used in plate Modulus for ID per one sheet per one sheet @300 gsi @300 gsi Stiffness stiffness test t_(wrap)@ 300 gsi KLEENEX ® 396 21.10 0.739 1.35 408 1 31763 hard box package material ANGEL SOFT ® 100 4.40 0.898 1.11 27.5 5 1886 soft-sided package material Outer wrap of 51.8 2.75 0.741 1.35 2.53 5 710 present invention

TABLE 2 Basis Caliper Caliper Density Weight @ 95 gsi @ 95 gsi (BW/Caliper) gsm mils Microns g/cm³ CLOPAY DH-215 50 2.8 71.0 .71 MICROFLEX ® 50-gsm PE- within the scope of the present invention CLOPAY DH-215 72 3.6 91.4 .78 MICROFLEX ® 72-gsm PE- within the scope of the present invention BOUNTY ® Napkins PE 56 1.5 38.1 1.47 CHARMIN ® 4 Regular 25 1.0 25.4 .98 Roll PE CHARMIN ® 1-roll Inner 15 0.6 15.2 .98 Wrap PE BOUNTY ® 6 Roll 36 1.5 38.1 .94 Duratowel ® PE PUFFS To Go ® Wrapper PE 40 1.3 31.8 1.26

TABLE 3 1% MD 1% MD Caliper Secant Secant Modulus/ @ 95 gsi Modulus Caliper microns kPa MPa/μm CLOPAY DH-215 71.0 91121 1.3 MICROFLEX ® 50-gsm PE- within the scope of the present invention CLOPAY DH-215 91.4 106779 1.2 MICROFLEX ® 72-gsm PE- within the scope of the present invention BOUNTY ® Napkins PE 38.1 490000 12.9 CHARMIN ® 4 Regular Roll 25.4 441000 17.4 PE CHARMIN ® 1-roll Inner 15.2 827000 54.3 Wrap PE BOUNTY ® 6 Roll Duratowel ® 38.1 283000 7.4 PE PUFFS To Go ® Wrapper PE 31.8 172000 5.4

TABLE 4 1% CD 1% CD Caliper Secant Secant Modulus/ @ 95 gsi Modulus Caliper microns kPa MPa/μm CLOPAY DH-215 71.0 91886 1.3 MICROFLEX ® 50-gsm PE- within the scope of the present invention CLOPAY DH-215 91.4 110095 1.2 MICROFLEX ® 72-gsm PE- within the scope of the present invention BOUNTY ® Napkins PE 38.1 662000 17.4 CHARMIN ® 4 Regular Roll 25.4 531000 20.9 PE CHARMIN ® 1-roll Inner 15.2 986000 64.7 Wrap PE BOUNTY ® 6 Roll Duratowel ® 38.1 365000 9.6 PE PUFFS To Go ® Wrapper PE 31.8 241000 7.6

The outer wrap 14 may be formed into the soft-sided package 12 by any suitable method. One suitable method of forming the package 12 of the present invention is to use an asymmetrically funnel-shaped forming shoulder to guide the wrap material for forming a tube-like envelope in such a way that the longitudinally running edges of the film align with one longitudinal corner of the respective stack of products. Such a process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,502 to Spiekers et al.

In an embodiment, the soft-sided package 12 can be described generally as being parallelepiped-shaped, having a generally rectangular cross-section as shown in FIG. 1. In another nonlimiting example, the package 12 may not be parallelepiped. For example, the package 12 may have rounded or partially round corners as shown in FIG. 4 such as those formed by elongated gusset seals 34.

The soft-sided package may have three main dimensions of width, depth, and height, as shown in FIG. 4. Because, as discussed later, the sleeve 16 also has width, depth and height dimensions, the dispensing system 10 dimensions are described herein as being “first” and “second” with respect to the package 12 and sleeve 16, respectively. Further, because the package 12 is soft-sided and closed on both ends, it is recognized that the dimensions are variable within a range, depending on the size of the package, how much sanitary tissue product 15 is inside, and other variables as is known in the art of tissue product packaging. For this reason, the dimensions may be measured under compression pressure as detailed in the Package Compressibility Test Method. In the present disclosure, the longest dimension of either the soft-sided package 12 or the sleeve 16 is referred to as the “height” dimension because in one embodiment it is envisioned that the dispensing system 10 be shelved with the longest dimension being vertically oriented, as shown for example in FIGS. 1-2, and 4. That is, in such embodiment, the two shorter dimensions, width and depth are in a plane parallel to a shelf 22 or other resting surface when the dispensing system 10 is practiced. However, it should be understood that this naming convention does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, other orientations are envisioned. For example, in another embodiment, the dispensing system 10 may be positioned such that the height and depth are in a plane parallel to the resting surface when the dispensing system 10 is practiced as shown in FIG. 5. Likewise, the dispensing system 10 may be placed such that the width and height dimensions are in a plane parallel to the shelf 22 or other resting surface when the dispensing system 10 is practiced (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the package 12 comprises a first width, W₁, a first depth, D₁, and a first height, H₁. The first height, H₁, first depth, D₁, and first W₁ can be viewed on a Cartesian coordinate system such that they are mutually orthogonal. The package 12 also comprises a first perimeter, P₁. In one nonlimiting example, illustrated in FIG. 4, the first perimeter, P1, equates generally to 2(W₁+D₁), again recognizing that W₁ and D₁ can be variable because of the soft sided nature of soft-sided package 12. In another nonlimiting example, illustrated in FIG. 5, the first perimeter, P1, may generally equate to 2(H₁+D₁) again recognizing that H₁ and D₁ can be variable because of the soft sided nature of soft-sided package 12.

In one nonlimiting example, the first height, H₁, may be about 15 cm or greater, or from about 15 cm to about 25 cm, from about 20 cm to about 23 cm at about 100 grams of force per square inch (i.e., a compression pressure of 100 gsi) in accordance with the Package Compressibility Test Method herein. In another nonlimiting example, the first height, H₁, is greater than the longest dimension of the unfolded sanitary tissue product 15 contained within the package 12 at about 100 grams of force per square inch in accordance with the Package Compressibility Test Method herein. In yet another nonlimiting example, the dimensions of the package 12 may be equivalent to so-called pocket packs where, for example, the longest dimension may be about 10 cm or less, or about 8 cm or less, or less than the longest dimension of an unfolded sanitary tissue product 15 contained within the package 12 at about 100 grams of force per square inch in accordance with the Package Compressibility Test Method herein.

In an embodiment, the package 12 may be placed on a horizontal surface, such as a shelf 22 that would be present in a store or in a consumer's home or workplace. The package 12 may be placed such that the first height, H₁, is perpendicular to the horizontal shelf 22 when package 12 is in its in-use orientation, causing the first height, H₁, to be vertically oriented. Alternatively, the package 12 may be placed on the shelf 22 such that the first depth, D₁, or the width, W₁, is perpendicular to the shelf 22 when package 12 is in an alternative in-use orientation, causing the first depth, D₁, or the first width, W₁, respectively to be vertically oriented.

As shown in FIG. 6, the soft-sided package 12 may contain a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15. The package 12 comprises a dispensing opening 24. The dispensing opening 24 may be any suitable shape or size to facilitate removal of the sanitary tissue products 15. The dispensing opening 24 may comprise a line of weakness 24 a (as shown in FIG. 2) such as a perforation or slit. The dispensing opening 24 may be at least partially resealable. In another embodiment, the dispensing opening 24 may be partially or completely removable as shown in FIG. 6. The dispensing opening 24 may be disposed on a first side 12 a of the package 12. In one nonlimiting example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the dispensing opening 24 may comprise an opening area, A_(disp), which equates to the dispensing opening's width, W_(disp), multiplied by its height, H_(disp). The opening area, A_(disp), may be about 70% of the surface area of the first side 12 a, A_(side), (i.e., W_(side)×H_(side)) or greater, or about 70-99%, or about 75-90%, of the surface area of the first side 12 a, A_(side). In such nonlimiting example, dispensing may be made easier by reduced frictional contact between the outer wrap 14 and the sanitary tissue product 15 during dispensing. In other words, there is more room for the sanitary tissue product 15 to exit and less constraints from the package 12.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where the package 12 comprises brand information 26. In another embodiment, the package 12 comprises a first design 28 (also shown in FIG. 8). The first design 28 may comprise printing and/or embossments, shapes, patterns, indicia and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the soft-sided package 12 may comprise areas of printing 14 b, areas void of printing 14 a, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the package 12 is translucent. In another embodiment, windows 14 c into the interior of the package 12 are provided. Windows and/or translucency permit a consumer to at least partially see the product inside soft-sided package 12. Translucency, such as haziness, may connote softness.

The package 12 may further comprise a corner seal 32. The corner seal 32 may be provided using the apparatus and process defined in U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,502 to Spiekers et. al. In addition, the package 12 may comprise one or more gusset seals 34. The corner seal 32 is relatively inconspicuous and precludes the need to seal the package in an obtrusive manner, such as by sealing a seam in the middle of a side of the package 12, which interferes with indicia 20, including brand information 26, and generally detracts from the aesthetic appearance of package 12. Utilizing a corner seal 32 permits the use of more of the package 12 surface for printing 14 b, design 28 and/or brand information 26. In an embodiment, the corner seal 32 joins a first side 12 a and the second side 12 b of the package, wherein the second side 12 b is adjacent to the first side 12 a. The skilled person will recognize that the sides 12 a, 12 b may already be joined as a function of being part of one piece of wrap 14. However, the seal 32 may still be formed, further joining or associating the two sides 12 a, 12 b (e.g., overlapping them). In one nonlimiting example, the corner seal 32 joins the first and second sides 12 a, 12 b at about a 90° angle, or about 75-95°. In an embodiment, the corner seal 32 is comprised of a sufficient amount of wrap 14 to act as a foot 33 as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, a sufficient portion of the outer wrap 14 extends beyond the seal 32 to create a ledge so to speak. The foot 33 (or ledge) may provide additional stability to the package 12 when it is placed on a shelf 22 or similar resting surface.

In addition, the soft-sided package 12 may comprise a package bulk of about 7 cm³/g or greater according to the Package Compressibility Test Method herein, where the volume of the package 12 is based on its dimensions under a compression pressure of 100 gsi. In another embodiment, the package 12 may comprise a package bulk of about 8 cm³/g or greater, or about 9 cm³/g or greater or about 10 cm³/g or greater according to the Package Compressibility Test Method, where the volume of the package 12 is based on its dimensions under a compression pressure of 100 gsi. In such embodiments, the package 12 may approximate the bulk of a hard-sided package (e.g., paperboard package) while providing the tactile benefits that a hard sided package cannot provide. For example, package bulk in a soft-sided package 12 provides an indication of softness and fluffiness while the same bulk in a hard-sided package does not give the same indication. The effect is analogous to a pillow versus a cardboard box. In one nonlimiting example, package bulk is increased by the addition of a structured sanitary tissue product 151.

In another embodiment, the soft-sided package 12 of the present invention may exhibit a density of about 0.0150 g/cm³ or less, or 0.0125 g/cm³ or less, 0.0120 g/cm³ or less or 0.0100 g/cm³ or less, where the volume of the package 12 is based on its dimensions under a compression pressure of 100 gsi. Table 5 shows various properties of the soft-sided package 12 of the present invention versus properties of other packages. The packages in Table 5 each contain a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15.

TABLE 5 Units cm cm cm mils mils mils g g/cm³ cm³/g Pkg Depth Pkg Width Pkg Height Pkg Pkg Pkg ID @100 gsi @100 gsi @100 gsi Weight Density Bulk KLEENEX ® hard 8.67 12.17 22.67 290.10 0.121 8.25 box containing 3415 4791 8926 KLEENEX ® Regular facial tissues (160 count) ANGEL SOFT ® soft- 6.40 10.80 21.72 229.86 0.153 6.53 sided package containing 2519 4252 8552 ANGEL SOFT ® facial tissues (165 count) Invention - Soft-sided 8.06 10.82 21.36 178.47 0.096 10.43 package of present 3173 4259 8410 invention containing PUFFS Basic ® facial tissues (132 count) Invention - Soft-sided 6.86 11.77 21.01 218.22 0.129 7.77 package of present 2700 4634 8274 invention containing KLEENEX ® Regular tissues (132 count) Invention - Soft-sided 7.12 11.77 21.25 243.28 0.137 7.32 package of present 2803 4636 8365 invention containing KLEENEX ® Regular facial tissues (160 count)

In another embodiment, the package 12 may have a package depth compressibility of about 210 mils/log(gsi) or greater, or about 280 mils/log(gsi) or greater, or about 380 mils/log(gsi), or about 400 mils/log(gsi) or greater, or about 500 mils/log(gsi) in accordance with the Package Compressibility Test Method herein. The package depth compressibility values within the scope of the present invention provide a stronger indication of softness and flexibility, which is significant to indicate the properties of sanitary tissue products 15 to the end users.

Table 6 shows various compressibility values that for products within the scope of the present invention as well as products outside the scope of the present invention.

TABLE 6 mils Pkg Depth near-zero mils/log(gsi) log(gsi) mils/log(gsi) load Pkg Depth Pkg Depth Pkg Depth thickness Compressibility- CompMod- Recoverability- Units b(c) m(c) b/m(c) m(r) ID 1250 1250 1250 1250 KLEENEX ® hard box containing 3719 165.3 22.50 148.4 KLEENEX ® Regular facial tissues (160 count) ANGEL SOFT ® soft-sided package 2896 205.2 14.11 156.2 containing ANGEL SOFT ® facial tissues (165 count) Invention-Soft-sided package of 4126 526.0 7.91 432.8 present invention containing PUFFS Basic ® facial tissues (132 count) Invention-Soft-sided package of 3392 376.9 9.02 314.6 present invention containing KLEENEX ® Regular Tissues (132 count) Invention-Soft-sided package of 3332 286.4 11.66 251.3 present invention containing KLEENEX ® Regular Tissues (160 count)

In yet another embodiment, the package 12 may comprise a stiffener 35, as shown in FIGS. 9-9D. The stiffener 35 of the present disclosure is believed to provide more uniform deflation (i.e., shrinkage) as package contents are removed. In addition, the stiffener 35 of the present invention provides more uniform resistance for the outer edges of sanitary tissue products 15 during dispensing. This is especially important for large dispensing openings 24 in order to prevent dispensing of more than the desired number of products 15, moving the package 12 as the sanitary tissue product 15 is being pulled and/or having the remaining products 15 fall over after one or more products 15 have been dispensed. In addition, a stiffener 35 may provide enough resistance to allow an end-user to use only one hand to pull the sanitary tissue product 15 while avoiding the above-noted issues.

In an embodiment, the stiffener 35 comprises a material 351 that is more rigid than the outer wrap 14. Nonlimiting examples of suitable material 351 include paper, cut-resistant flexible material, polymeric films (that are more rigid than the outer wrap 14), stiffened fabrics and combinations thereof. In one nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 comprises paper, such as paperboard or cardboard. In another nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 comprises a layered film.

The stiffener 35 may be fixedly associated with the outer wrap 14. By way of nonlimiting examples, the stiffener 35 may be associated with the outer wrap 14 by adhesive and/or mechanical attachment (such as staples). In one embodiment, the stiffener 35 may be associated with the outer wrap 14 on the first side 12 a of the package 12. In an embodiment, the stiffener 35 is a stiffened or thickened portion of the sleeve 16 as discussed below. In an alternative embodiment, the stiffener 35 is not integral with the sleeve 16. In one nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 is disposed inside the package 12. In an alternative nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 is disposed on the outside of the package 12. In yet another nonlimiting example, at least two stiffeners 35 are associated with the outer wrap 14. In such example, the stiffeners 35 can both be disposed on the outside of the package 12 or on the inside of the package 12, or one 35 may be disposed on the outside while the other 35 is disposed on the inside of the package 12.

The stiffener 35 may be a strip, or other suitable shape, joined substantially parallel to an edge 24 b of the dispensing opening 24. The stiffener 35 may be located adjacent to the dispensing opening 24. In an embodiment, the stiffener 35 is spaced a distance, D_(stiff), from an edge 24 b of the dispensing opening 24, as measured between the closest points on the edge 24 b and stiffener 35 (i.e., D_(stiff) is the shortest distance between the dispensing opening 24 and the stiffener 35). D_(stiff) may be about 2.5 cm or less, or 2 cm or less, or about 1 cm or less or about 0.5 cm or less, or about 0 mm.

The stiffener 35 can be generally in a strip form and comprise a width, W_(stiff), and a height, H_(stiff), which directionally correspond with the width and height dimensions of the package 12 and the first side 12 a as shown in FIG. 9. In one nonlimiting example, W_(stiff) is less than the W_(side) (i.e., the width of the first side 12 a). In another nonlimiting example, W_(stiff) is greater than W_(side), such that the stiffener 35 may extend beyond the first side 12 a and, if desired be folded, creating a portion of the depth, D₁, on one or more sides of the package 12 as shown in FIG. 9A. In yet another nonlimiting example, H_(stiff) may be less than H_(side) (i.e., the height of the first side 12 a). Alternatively, H_(stiff) may be greater than H_(side) such that the stiffener 35 may extend beyond the first side 12 a and if desired be folded, creating a portion of the depth, D₁, on one or more sides of the package 12 as shown in FIG. 9. In another nonlimiting example, H_(stiff) and H_(side) are substantially the same and/or W_(stiff) and W_(side) are substantially the same.

The stiffener 35 may comprise any shape and/or size suitable for providing resistance during dispensing and/or more uniform shrinkage of the package 12. In one nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 is substantially rectangular and in strip form as shown in FIG. 9. In another nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 is substantially oval as shown in FIG. 9A. Other nonlimiting examples of suitable shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 9-9D. Where more than one stiffener 35 is used, any combination of shapes and sizes may be used. In one embodiment, where more than one stiffener 35 is used, the stiffeners 35 comprise the same shape and/or the same size.

The Sanitary Tissue Products

In an embodiment, the package 12 comprises a sanitary tissue product 15 or a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15. Nonlimiting examples of sanitary tissue products 15 include facial tissue, bath tissue and paper towels.

In an embodiment, the sanitary tissue product 15 comprises a structured sanitary tissue product 151 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The structured sanitary tissue product 151 comprises textural elements 152 that are wet-formed. In an embodiment, the wet-formed textural elements 152 are produced in a papermaking method utilizing Through-Air-Dried (TAD) technology. Such methods are well developed in the art. TAD paper can have more structure imparted during the papermaking process (as opposed to post-making converting processes such as embossing) than conventional wet press paper.

In another embodiment, the structured sanitary tissue product 151 comprises textural elements 152 that are made in a papermaking process and wet-formed on a textured belt such as a photo-curable resin patterned through-air-drying belt, as taught in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,239, issued Jul. 9, 1985 to Trokhan, for example. The textural elements 152 may include relatively high density regions 152 a, sometimes referred to as knuckles, and relatively low density regions 152 b, sometimes referred to as domes or pillows.

In another nonlimiting example, the structured sanitary tissue product 151 also comprises an embossment (not shown). In yet another nonlimiting example, the package 12 comprises a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15. The plurality of sanitary tissue products 15 may comprise a structured sanitary tissue product 151 and/or a non-structured sanitary tissue product (not shown).

The sanitary tissue product 15, or a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15, may be disposed within the outer wrap 14. The plurality of sanitary tissue products 15 may be stacked or rolled. The plurality of sanitary tissue products 15 may be interfolded.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sanitary tissue products 15 has a paper stack compressibility of about 12 mils/log(gsi) or greater, or about 16 mils/log(gsi) or greater, or about 7 mils/log(gsi) to about 20 mils/log(gsi) in accordance with the Paper Stack Compressibility Test Method disclosed herein. In a further embodiment, a sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a paper thickness, t_(paper), of about 11 mils or greater, or from about 8 mils to about 12 mils or about every 0.1 interval in between 8 mils and 12 mils, or about 12 mils, each value being obtained at a compression pressure of about 25 gsi and in accordance with the Paper Stack Compressibility Test Method. In still further embodiment, a sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a paper thickness, t_(paper), of about 9 mils or greater, or from about 5 mils to about 10 mils, or about every 0.1 interval in between 5 mils and 10 mils, or about 9 mils, or about 10 mils, each value being obtained at a compression pressure of 100 gsi and in accordance with the Paper Stack Compressibility Test Method. In another nonlimiting example, the sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a thickness, t_(paper), at a compression pressure of 95 gsi of about 5 mils to about 45 mils, or about 5.5 mils to about 7.5 mils, or about 13 mils to about 23 mils, or about 16 mils to about 28 mils, or about 20 mils to about 40 mils, or any 0.1 interval in between 5 and 40 mils.

In yet another embodiment, the sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a paper bulk of about 6 cm³/g or greater, or about 7 cm³/g or greater, or about 8 cm³/g or greater or about 9 cm³/g or greater, or from about 6 cm³/g to about 11 cm³/g, or from about 7 cm³/g to about 10 cm³/g at a compression pressure of 25 gsi in accordance with the Paper Stack Compressibility Test Method herein. The sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a paper bulk of about 6 cm³/g or greater, or about 7 cm³/g or greater, or about 8 cm³/g or greater, or from about 5 cm³/g to about 9 cm³/g, or from about 6 cm³/g to about 8.5 cm³/g at a compression pressure of 100 gsi in accordance with the Paper Stack Compressibility Test Method herein.

In a further embodiment, the sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a paper bending modulus of about 9 MPa or less, or about 8 MPa or less, or about 3 MPa or less, or about 2 MPa for a paper thickness, t_(paper), taken at a compression pressure of 25 gsi. The sanitary tissue product 15 may comprise a paper bending modulus of about 13 MPa or less, or about 10 MPa or less, or about 6 MPa or less, or about 5 MPa or less for a paper thickness, t_(paper), taken at a compression pressure of 100 gsi.

Tables 7-8 illustrate various characteristics of sanitary tissue products 15 that may be used within the scope of the present invention.

TABLE 7 Units mils/ mils log(gsi) log(gsi) mils mils mils Paper Avg. gsm Paper Stack Paper Stack t_(paper) t_(paper) t_(paper) Recovered Paper Comp. - Comp. Modulus - per uu per uu per uu Thickness per ID BW m(c) 1250 b/m(c) 1250 @25 gsi @100 gsi @300 gsi uu 10-1250 KLEENEX ® 33.04 11.24 5.73 9.73 8.21 7.24 6.88 Regular facial tissue #1 ANGEL SOFT ® 28.63 7.50 6.59 7.76 6.82 6.15 5.87 facial tissue PUFFS Basic ® 29.65 16.06 5.02 11.59 9.72 8.10 9.93 facial tissue KLEENEX ® 32.64 10.90 5.76 9.49 8.06 7.10 7.38 Regular facial tissue #2

TABLE 8 Units cm³/g cm³/g N*mm # MPa MPa Paper Paper Paper Plate # sheets Paper Bending Paper Bending Bulk Bulk Stiffness used in plate Modulus (wrt Modulus (wrt ID @25 gsi @100 gsi (5 sht) stiffness test t@25 gsi) t@100 gsi) KLEENEX ® 7.48 6.31 0.600 5 3.82 6.35 Regular facial tissue #1 ANGEL SOFT ® 6.88 6.05 0.700 5 8.79 12.93 facial tissue PUFFS Basic ® 9.93 8.32 0.630 5 2.37 4.02 facial tissue KLEENEX ® 7.38 6.27 0.755 5 5.17 8.45 Regular facial tissue #2

In an embodiment, the package 12 may comprise a specific relationship between the outer wrap 14 and the sanitary tissue product 15 contained within the package 12. In one nonlimiting example, the package 12 may comprise a paper stack compressibility to wrap thickness ratio of about 2/log(gsi) or greater, or about 4/log(gsi) or greater, or about 5/log(gsi) or greater, where the paper stack compressibility is determined in accordance with the Stack Compressibility Test Method and the wrap thickness is measured at a compression pressure of 300 gsi. It is believed that a more compressible stack of sanitary tissue products 15 coupled with a thinner wrap 14 will better connote to an end user, through touch of the package 12, that the enclosed sanitary tissue product 15 has desirable properties, such as softness, squeezability, flexibility and retained structural integrity.

In an additional embodiment, the package 12 has a wrap thickness to paper thickness ratio of less than about 0.7, or about 0.6 or less, or about 0.5 or less, or about 0.35 or less, where both the wrap thickness, t_(wrap), and sanitary tissue product thickness, t_(paper), are measure at a compression pressure of 300 gsi. It is believed that the disclosed ratio (i.e., a thick tissue product 15 with a thin wrap 14) provides the end user with good perspective of the thickness of the enclosed sanitary tissue products 15 through examining the outer wrap 14 and package 12 visually and by touch.

In a further embodiment, the outer wrap 14 is a structured outer wrap 141 and a sanitary tissue product 15 enclosed in the package 12 is a structured sanitary tissue product 151. It is believed that by using a structured outer wrap material 141, the end user is better informed, through touch of the package 12, the expected feel of the enclosed structured sanitary tissue product 151. In one nonlimiting example, the structured sanitary tissue product 151 comprises wet-formed textural elements 152 formed in a TAD papermaking process. In still another nonlimiting example, the structured outer wrap 141 may be microembossed and/or embossed.

Table 9 illustrates relational attributes of the outer wrap 14 and sanitary tissue products 15 within the scope of the present invention.

TABLE 9 mils mils /log(gsi) Wrap Paper Paper Stack mils/log(gsi) Thickness Thickness Comp. to Paper Stack (t_(wrap)) (t_(paper)) Wrap none Comp.-m(c) @ 300 gsi-1 per uu Thickness t_(wrap) to ID 1250 sheet @ 300 gsi (t_(wrap)) t_(paper) KLEENEX ® 11.24 21.10 7.24 0.532 2.92 hard box package material &/or KLEENEX ® Regular facial tissues ANGEL SOFT ® 7.50 4.40 6.15 1.70 0.716 soft-sided package material and/or ANGEL SOFT ® facial tissues Outer wrap of present 16.06 2.75 8.10 5.83 0.340 invention & PUFFS Basic ® facial tissues Outer wrap of present 10.90 2.75 7.10 3.96 0.387 invention & KLEENEX Regular ® facial tissues

The Sleeve

In one embodiment, the dispensing system 10 includes a sleeve 16. The sleeve 16 may comprise a relatively rigid material 18, meaning the material 18 is more rigid than the outer wrap 14 from which the soft-sided package 12 is formed and is generally rigid enough to be self-supporting when configured as described herein. Suitable materials 18 include but are not limited to paper, cut-resistant flexible material, polymeric films (that are more rigid than the outer wrap 14, or layered to form a material that is more rigid than the outer wrap 14), stiffened fabrics and combinations thereof. In one nonlimiting example, the sleeve 16 comprises paper, such as paperboard or cardboard. In another embodiment, the sleeve 16 is open on two opposing ends. Said differently, the sleeve 16 is topless and bottomless. In another embodiment, the sleeve 16 is not open on two opposing ends (i.e., it comprises a top and/or a bottom).

As can be seen in FIG. 12, the sleeve 16 (like the soft-sided package 12) may be configured to have a generally rectangular cross section and has a second width, W₂, a second depth, D₂, a second height, H₂, and a second perimeter, P₂. In one nonlimiting example, the second perimeter, P₂, is substantially equal to 2(W₂+D₂) as shown in FIG. 12. In another nonlimiting example, the second perimeter, P₂, is substantially equal to 2(H₂+D₂) as shown in FIG. 13. In an embodiment, the sleeve 16 generally circumferentially surrounds the soft-sided package 12. In one nonlimiting example, the second perimeter, P₂, is substantially equal to or slightly less than the first perimeter, P₁, such that an interior surface of the sleeve 16 is in contacting relationship with the exterior surface of the soft-sided package 12. The sleeve 16 can be in frictionally stable contact such that it does not slide off of soft-sided package 12 under slight forces such as the force of gravity when soft-sided package 12 is held. The sleeve 16 can be attached with adhesive, tape or other suitable means of adhesion. Alternatively, the second perimeter, P₂, may be greater than the first perimeter, P₁, such that the sleeve 16 fits loosely, or somewhat loosely, about the package 12.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the sleeve 16 can comprise a single panel 16′ associated with one or more sides of the soft-sided package 12. FIG. 14 illustrates the sleeve 16 and the package 12 separated for illustrative purposes. However, the single panel 16′ may be associated with the package 12 by any suitable means, including for example, staples and/or adhesive. The sleeve panel 16′ may be associated with a side of the package 12 a such that the package is more stable on a horizontal surface. In one nonlimiting example, the sleeve's panel 16′ is attached to a first side 12 a of the package and folded such that the a portion of the panel 16′ is associated with a second side 12 b of the package 12, where the second side 12 b is adjacent to the first side 12 a and the second side 12 b can be placed on a horizontal shelf 22. The panel 16′ may be attached to the first side 12 a or the second side 12 b or both sides 12 a, 12 b. Where attached, the panel 16′ may be attached by any suitable means, including but not limited to tape, adhesive or staples.

The sleeve's 16 dimensions may be measured by measuring a peak length along that dimension, or a minimum length along that dimension or said dimension may be the average and/or constant length along that dimension. For example, the second height, H₂, may be a peak height located anywhere on the sleeve 16 as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows the same principle with respect to the width, W₂. In another example, the second height, H₂, can be a minimum height located anywhere on the sleeve 16. In one nonlimiting example, the second height, H₂, second width, W₂ and/or second depth, D₂ is located in the center of one or more sides of the sleeve 16. In another nonlimiting example, the second height, H₂, may be the average and/or constant height of the sleeve 16 as shown in FIG. 15. The same principle applies to the width and depth dimensions (W₂ and D₂).

The second height, H₂, may be less than the first height, H₁. In one nonlimiting example, the second height, H₂, is at least 30% of the first height, H₁, or between 20% and 80% of the first height, H₁. The second height, H₂, second width, W₂, and second depth, D₂, may be viewed on a Cartesian coordinate system such that they are mutually orthogonal. In an intended use, the sleeve 16 may be placed on a horizontal surface, such as a substantially horizontal shelf 22 that would be present in a store or in a consumer's home or workplace. The sleeve 16 may be placed such that the second height, H₂, is perpendicular to the horizontal shelf 22, causing the second height, H₂, to be vertically oriented, and the second width W₂ and second depth, D₂ to lay in a plane parallel the plane of the shelf 22 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the sleeve 16 may be placed on the shelf 22 such that the second depth, D₂, or the width, W₂, is perpendicular to the shelf 22 when sleeve 16 is in an alternative in-use orientation, causing the second depth, D₂, or the second width, W₂, respectively to be vertically oriented (see FIG. 13). In one embodiment, the second depth, D₂, may be less than the first depth, D₁. In another embodiment, the second width, W₂, may be less than the first width, W₁.

In a further embodiment, the sleeve 16 substantially surrounds the soft-sided package 12 and both the first height, H₁, and the second height, H₂, are vertically oriented on the shelf 22 (as shown in FIG. 2 for example). At least a portion of the sleeve 16 may be in contacting relationship with the substantially horizontal shelf 22. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the package 12 may be in contacting relationship with the shelf 22. Having both the first height, H₁, and the second height, H₂, be vertically oriented allows the soft-sided package 12 to be presented to consumers in a generally vertical relationship (on its end, so to speak) in a stable fashion. Alternatively, the dispensing system 10 may be oriented such that both the first height, H₁, and the second height, H₂, are horizontally oriented on the shelf 22 (as shown in FIG. 13). In such nonlimiting example, P₂ and P₁ may equate to the sums of the respective height and depth dimensions as shown in FIG. 13. In any orientation, the sleeve 16 helps prevent the package 12 from falling.

In yet another nonlimiting example, the sleeve 16 substantially surrounds the perimeter, P₁, of the soft-sided package 12 and each dimension of the package (D₁, W₁, H₁) is oriented with the respective dimension of the sleeve 16 (D₂, W₂, H₂) when package 12 and sleeve 16 are in their in-use orientation. In other words, for example, if D₁ is horizontally oriented, then D₂ is horizontally oriented.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 16 exhibits the second height, H₂, on a main panel 16 a, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12. In a further embodiment, depicted in FIG. 15 for example, the sleeve 16 substantially surrounds the perimeter, P1, of the package 12 such that the main panel 16 a aligns with a side 12 a of the package 12 having the dispensing opening 24. The sleeve 16, in particular the second height, H₂, may be sufficient to cover a portion of the dispensing opening 24. In one nonlimiting example, the sleeve 16, at the point at which it exhibits the second height, H₂, may be sufficient to cover the entire dispensing opening 24. Likewise, as in FIG. 13, one or both of the other dimensions of the sleeve 16 (D₂ and/or W₂) may be sufficient to cover a portion or all of the dispensing opening 24. Covering the dispensing opening 24 prevents damage of the opening 24, particularly where the dispensing opening 24 is formed from or otherwise incorporates a line of weakness 24 a.

Returning to FIG. 12, the sleeve 16 may also comprise indicia 20 in a reading orientation as defined above. For example, the term “Brand” shown in FIG. 12, which is representative of a manufacturer's brand information 26 is oriented such that when the sleeve 16 is shelved with height H₂ being perpendicular to the shelf 22, the indicia 20 of the brand information 26 is “upside up,” so to speak and is in reading orientation. Indicia 20 may be present on one or more sides of the sleeve 16. As explained in more detail below, indicia 20 may be oriented differently on each side of the sleeve 16. Indicia 20 on the sleeve may be the same as or different from indicia 20 on the package 12.

In addition, the sleeve 16 may comprise a second design 30, as shown in FIG. 13 for example. The second design 30 may complement the first design 28 located on the package 12. For instance, the designs 28, 30 may have similar or corresponding shapes, colors, patterns, indicia or the like. Alternatively, the designs 28, 30 may coordinate visually without having similar shapes, colors, patterns or indicia. In one nonlimiting example, the design 28 of the package is a different color and/or pattern from the design 30 of the sleeve 16, but both designs 28, 30 are aesthetically coordinated.

In a further embodiment, the sleeve 16 comprises a fold-in stabilizer 36 as depicted in FIGS. 12, 15 and 16. In one nonlimiting example, the sleeve 16 comprises at least two fold-in stabilizers 36. The fold-in stabilizer 36 may be formed from a lateral cut 38 spanning across two sides 16 b, 16 c at a corner of the sleeve 16 and being perpendicular to the second height, H₂. The cut 38 may intersect a fold line 40 present between the two sides 16 b, 16 c of the sleeve 16. The portion of the sleeve 16 below the cut is folded inwards, creating the fold-in stabilizer 36. When engaged (i.e., folded in), the fold-in stabilizer 36 may provide a platform on which the package 12 may sit. The cut 38 may be a third height, H₃, sufficient to provide stability to the package 12 and/or prevent the package 12 from touching a shelf 22 or similar surface once the fold-in stabilizer 36 is engaged. In another nonlimiting example, the sleeve 16 comprises two fold-in stabilizers 36 on adjacent edges of the sleeve 16 (not shown). One of skill in the art will recognize that lateral cut 38 may be made with respect to the width or depth dimensions as opposed to the height dimension if so desired.

Turning to FIG. 17, the sleeve 16 may comprise an exterior surface 165, having multiple sides. One or more sides may comprise indicia 20. Each side may be externally facing such that each is viewable when the sleeve 16 is placed around a package 12. In one nonlimiting example, a first indicia 20 a is provided on a first side 160, a second indicia 20 b is provided on a second side 162 and a third indicia 20 c is provided on a third side 164 of the sleeve 16. The indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c on each side 160, 162, and 164 are each provided in reading orientation. The indicia 20 a, 20 b and 20 c may be the same or different, or partially the same or partially different. In an embodiment, the indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c are oriented differently relative to one another. In one nonlimiting example, the first indicia 20 a is generally aligned along a vertical axis with individual characters “upside up” as depicted in FIG. 17, which renders it in a reading orientation when the sleeve 16 is set on a shelf 22 as depicted in FIG. 2. The second indicia 20 b is generally aligned along a horizontal axis and substantially perpendicular to the first indicia 20 a with respect to the axis of alignment of the characters, but again the characters are “upside up” and therefore in a reading orientation when the sleeve 16 is set on a shelf 22 as depicted in FIG. 2 The third indicia 20 c is generally aligned along a vertical axis, being substantially perpendicular to the second indicia 20 b with respect to the axis and having each character substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the characters in the first indicia 20 a, and is not in a reading orientation when the sleeve 16 is set on a shelf 22 as depicted in FIG. 2. In other words, the indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c on each sleeve side 160, 162, 164 differs from another side with respect to the axis on which the characters are aligned and/or with respect to the orientation of the individual characters within the indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c. One of skill in the art will recognize that the orientation may vary in ways other than perpendicularly. Indeed, the axes of alignment of the different indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c or the individual characters of each different indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c may be oriented at any angle relative to one other suitable for practice of the present invention. The indicia 20 a, 20 b, 20 c may not be in reading orientation simultaneously. Said differently, for example, the sleeve 16 may be provided in one position for the second indicia 20 b to be in reading orientation and provided in another position for the third indicia 20 c to be in reading orientation. However, the multiple orientations provide for flexibility in display designs and ease in product recognition. Although described with respect to the sleeve 16, the package 12 may include indicia 20 present on different sides of the package 12 a, 12 b, 12 c and having different reading orientations as contemplated in this paragraph. The indicia on each side 12 a, 12 b, 12 c of the package 12 may be the same or may be different. A nonlimiting example is shown in FIG. 1. Where both the sleeve 16 and the package 12 comprise indicia 20, the indicia on aligned sides may be in the same reading orientation or differently oriented. For example in FIG. 15, the indicia 20 on the front side of the package 12 a and the indicia 20 on the front side of the sleeve 16 a are oriented in substantially the same manner and thus have the same reading orientation, while the reading orientations of the indicia 20 on the left side of the sleeve 16 b and the left side of the package 12 c are not oriented the same and do not have the same reading orientation.

In still another embodiment, shown in FIG. 18, the sleeve 16 comprises one or more stiffeners 35. The stiffener 35 may be associated with the outer wrap 14 as discussed above. In one nonlimiting example, the stiffener 35 is disposed on the main panel 16 a of the sleeve 16. In an embodiment, the sleeve 16 comprises a removable portion 161. Removal of the removable portion 161 may be facilitated by a line of weakness, such as perforations, or any other suitable means. The removable portion 161 may be adjacent to the stiffener 35, such that when the removable portion 161 is removed, the stiffener 35 remains associated with the outer wrap 14. In one nonlimiting example, the removable portion 161 covers at least a portion of the dispensing opening 24. One or more removable portions 161 may be employed.

Other Configurations

In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 19, the dispensing system 10 may comprise a plurality of soft-sided packages 120, 122, 124. The soft-sided packages 120, 122, 124 may have any of the features described in detail above. By way of nonlimiting example, each of the packages 120, 122, 124 may be made of outer wrap 14 and have a 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio of about 5 MPa/μm or less or about 3 MPa/μm or less. Each package 120, 122, 124 may also comprise a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15 and/or a corner seal 32. The sanitary tissues 15 in one package 120 may be the same or different from the sanitary tissue products 15 in other packages 122, 124. At least one of the packages 12 may have a first height, H₁, which may be the longest dimension of that package 12.

The packages 120, 122, 124 may be placed side-by-side and or front-to-back such that their height, width and depth dimensions are respectively oriented in the same direction (i.e., depth of package 1 is oriented in the same manner as the depth of package 2, height of package 1 is oriented in the same manner as the height of package 2, etc.). When placed in close proximity or contacting relationship, the plurality of packages 120, 122, 124 collectively form a circumference, C₁, extending around perimeter of the collective packages 120, 122, 124. In one nonlimiting example, the circumference, C₁, extends around the height and depth dimensions of the packages 120, 122, 124 (not shown). In another nonlimiting example, the circumference, C₁, extends around the width and the height dimensions of the packages 120, 122, 124 (not shown). In yet another nonlimiting example (as shown in FIG. 19), the circumference, C₁, extends around the width and depth dimensions of the packages 120, 122, 124. The packages 120, 122, 124 may each comprise a package design 280, 282, 284. The package designs 280, 282, 284 may be the same or different, or partially the same or partially different.

In a further embodiment, a sleeve 16 substantially surrounds the circumference, C₁, and may be in contacting relationship with a substantially horizontal shelf 22. The sleeve 16 may comprise any of the features described above. By way of nonlimiting example, the sleeve 16 may be made of a material 18 more rigid than the outer wrap 14 used to form the packages 120, 122, 124, such as paperboard. Likewise, the sleeve 16 may have a second height, H₂, which may be less than the first height, H₁. In one nonlimiting example, the second height, H₂, is at least 30% of the first height, H₁. In one nonlimiting example, both the first height, H₁, and the second height, H₂, have a vertical orientation in their in-use orientation.

In a further embodiment, the second height, H₂, is the longest dimension of the sleeve 16. In yet another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 19, the longest dimension of the sleeve 16 may be oriented perpendicular to the longest dimension of one or more of the packages. In such case, for example, the first height, H₁, may have a vertical orientation in its in-use orientation, while the second height, H₂, may be in a plane parallel to the shelf 22. The dispensing system 10 may be arranged such that the first height, H₁, is oriented in the same direction as any one of the sleeve's 16 dimensions (i.e., the second height, H₂, the second width, W₂, or the second depth, D₂) when the dispensing system 10 is in its in-use orientation. In a further embodiment, the first height, H₁, may be greater than the sleeve dimension (i.e., H₂, D₂ or W₂) that it is aligned with when the dispensing system 10 is in its in-use orientation. In one nonlimiting example, the sleeve dimension aligned with the first height, H₁, may be at least 30% of the first height, H₁. As above, the sleeve 16 may be placed such that it covers all or a portion of a dispensing opening 24 in one or more of the packages 120, 122, 124. The sleeve 16 may also comprise one or more fold-in stabilizers 36 of the type described above and/or one or more stiffeners 35 as described above. Further, the sleeve 16 may comprise indicia 20 in reading orientation. The indicia 20 may comprise brand information 26. Any of the packages 120, 122, 124 and/or the sleeve 16 may be provided with indicia 20 on one or more of their respective sides and said indicia 20 may be differently oriented. The sleeve 16 may also comprise a sleeve design 300. The sleeve design 300 may complement one or more of the package designs 280, 282, 284. For instance, one or more of the package designs 280, 282, 284 and the sleeve design 300 may have similar or corresponding shapes, colors, patterns, indicia or the like. Alternatively, the designs 280, 282, 284, 300 may coordinate visually without having similar shapes, colors, patterns or indicia. In one nonlimiting example, one or more of the package designs 280, 282, 284 is a different color and/or pattern from the sleeve design 300 but the designs 280, 282 and/or 284 and 300 are aesthetically coordinated.

Array

In a further embodiment, an array 42 of dispensing systems 10 is provided. As shown in FIG. 20, the array 42 may comprise a first dispensing system 44 and a second dispensing system 46. The first dispensing system 44 may comprise a first soft-sided package 48 having any of the features described above. The second dispensing system 46 may comprise a second soft-sided package 50 having any of the features described above. Each package 48, 50 may comprise a plurality of sanitary tissue products 15. The sanitary tissue products 15 a in the first soft-sided package 48 may be the same or different from the sanitary tissue products 15 b in the second soft-sided package 50.

In one embodiment, the first soft-sided package 48 comprises a first package design 52. In a further embodiment, the second soft-sided package 50 comprises a second package design 54. The first package design 52 may be the same or different, or partially the same or partially different, from the second design 54. In one nonlimiting example, the first package design 52 and the second package design 54 complement each other. For instance, the designs 52, 54 may have similar or corresponding shapes, colors, patterns, indicia or the like. Alternatively, the designs 52, 54 may coordinate visually without having similar shapes, colors, patterns or indicia. In one nonlimiting example, the designs 52, 54 are different colors and/or patterns but both designs 52, 54 are aesthetically coordinated.

In another embodiment, the array 42 optionally includes a first sleeve 56. The first sleeve 56 substantially surrounds the first soft-sided package 48 in the same way as described above with respect to sleeves 16 surrounding the perimeter, P₁, of a package 12. Essentially, the first soft-sided package 48 has a first perimeter, P₃, which may be defined as the sum of the package's 48 width and depth dimensions. (One of skill in the art will recognize that the perimeter, P₃, alternatively could be defined as the sum of the package's 48 width and height dimensions or the sum of its depth and height dimensions). The first sleeve 56 substantially surrounds this first perimeter, P₃. The first sleeve 56 may comprise first indicia 60 in reading orientation. The first sleeve 56 may also comprise a first color scheme, CS1.

The array 42 may also be provided with a second sleeve 58 which substantially surrounds the perimeter, P₄ (referred to as the second perimeter), of the second soft-sided package 50. The second sleeve 58 may comprise indicia 62 in reading orientation. The indicia 60 of the first sleeve 56 may be the same or different, or partially the same or partially different, as the indicia 62 on the second sleeve 58. The second sleeve 58 may also comprise a second color scheme, CS2. The second color scheme, CS2, may be the same or different, or partially the same or partially different, from the first color scheme, CS1.

One or both sleeves 56, 58 may comprise one or more fold-in stabilizers 36 and/or one or more stiffeners 35.

Test Methods

Package Compressibility Test Method

Package thickness (measured in mils, 0.001 inch) is measured as a function of compression pressure (g/in²) using a Thwing-Albert (14 W. Collings Ave., West Berlin, N.J.) Vantage Compression/Softness Tester (model 1750-2005 or similar), equipped with a 2500 g load cell (force accuracy is +/−0.25% when measuring value is between 10%-100% of load cell capacity, and 0.025% when measuring value is less than 10% of load cell capacity), a 1.128 inch diameter steel pressure foot (one square inch cross sectional area) which is aligned parallel to the steel anvil (2.5 inch diameter). The pressure foot and anvil surfaces must be clean and dust free, particularly when performing the steel-to-steel test. Thwing-Albert software (MAP) controls the motion and data acquisition of the instrument.

The instrument and software is set-up to acquire crosshead position and force data at a rate of 50 points/sec. The crosshead speed (which moves the pressure foot) for testing samples is set to 1.0 inches/min (the steel-to-steel test speed is set to 0.05 inches/min). For testing the package with the top (i.e., the sheet releasing area) facing up, the crosshead position and force data are recorded between the load cell range of approximately 5 and 1500 grams during compression of this test. Since the foot area is one square inch, the force data recorded corresponds to pressure in units of g/in². The MAP software is programmed to the select 15 crosshead position values at specific pressure trap points of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 750, 1000, and 1250 g/in² (i.e., recording the crosshead position of very next acquired data point after the each pressure point trap is surpassed).

For the other two dimensions of the package (i.e., width and height), the crosshead position and force data are recorded between the load cell range of approximately 5 and 305 grams during compression of this test, with the maximum compression force not exceeding 305 grams for these two dimensions.

Since the overall test system, including the load cell, is not perfectly rigid, a steel-to-steel test is performed (i.e., nothing in between the pressure foot and anvil) at least twice for each batch of testing, to obtain an average set of steel-to-steel crosshead positions at each of the 15 trap points. This steel-to-steel crosshead position data is subtracted from the corresponding crosshead position data at each trap point for each tested package sample, thereby resulting in the package thickness (mils) at each pressure trap point.

PackT (trap)=PackCP (trap)−SteelCP (trap)

Where:

-   -   trap=trap point pressure     -   PackT=Thickness of Package (at trap pressure)     -   PackCP=Crosshead position of Package in test (at trap pressure)     -   SteelCP=Crosshead position of steel-to-steel test (at trap         pressure)

The package is placed on the anvil, with its sheet releasing area facing up (unopened), centered with respect to the pressure foot. Additional (duplicate) tests must be performed on a different, untested package.

From these one or more tests, an average crosshead position of the package at each trap pressure (i.e., PackCP(trap)) is calculated. Then, using the average steel-to-steel crosshead trap points (i.e., SteelCP(trap)), the average package thickness at each trap (i.e., PackT(trap)) is calculated (mils).

Package Compressibility is defined here as the absolute value of the linear slope of the package thickness (mils) as a function of the log(10) of the compression pressure (grams/in²), by using the 15 trap points discussed previously, in a least squares regression. The units for Package Compressibility are mils/(log(g/in²)), and is reported to the nearest 0.1 mils/(log(g/in²)). Thickness (mils) at any compression pressure (trap) is calculated as described above, as PackT(trap), and reported to the nearest 0.1 mils.

Package Bulk is calculated by dividing the package volume (cm³) by its mass (g). The weight of the package is measured using a top loading analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.01 g. The balance is protected from air drafts and other disturbances using a draft shield. Measure the mass of the package and record the result to the nearest 0.01 g. The package volume is calculated from the product of the package thickness of each of its three dimensions (height, depth, and length) at 100 gsi pressure, using the method described above (i.e., PackT(100)), converted to units of cm³. Package Bulk is reported in units of cm³/g to the nearest 0.01 cm³/g.

For purposes of this test method, package refers to an outer package containing one or more sanitary tissue products. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary package and its dimensions as measured for the above-described test method.

Stack Compressibility Test Method

Stack thickness (measured in mils, 0.001 inch) is measured as a function of compression pressure (g/in²) using a Thwing-Albert (14 W. Collings Ave., West Berlin, N.J.) Vantage Compression/Softness Tester (model 1750-2005 or similar), equipped with a 2500 g load cell (force accuracy is +/−0.25% when measuring value is between 10%-100% of load cell capacity, and 0.025% when measuring value is less than 10% of load cell capacity), a 1.128 inch diameter steel pressure foot (one square inch cross sectional area) which is aligned parallel to the steel anvil (2.5 inch diameter). The pressure foot and anvil surfaces must be clean and dust free, particularly when performing the steel-to-steel test. Thwing-Albert software (MAP) controls the motion and data acquisition of the instrument.

The instrument and software is set-up to acquire crosshead position and force data at a rate of 50 points/sec. The crosshead speed (which moves the pressure foot) for testing samples is set to 0.20 inches/min (the steel-to-steel test speed is set to 0.05 inches/min). Crosshead position and force data are recorded between the load cell range of approximately 5 and 1500 grams during compression of this test. Since the foot area is one square inch, the force data recorded corresponds to pressure in units of g/in². The MAP software is programmed to the select 15 crosshead position values at specific pressure trap points of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 750, 1000, and 1250 g/in² (i.e., recording the crosshead position of very next acquired data point after the each pressure point trap is surpassed).

Since the overall test system, including the load cell, is not perfectly rigid, a steel-to-steel test is performed (i.e., nothing in between the pressure foot and anvil) at least twice for each batch of testing, to obtain an average set of steel-to-steel crosshead positions at each of the 15 trap points. This steel-to-steel crosshead position data is subtracted from the corresponding crosshead position data at each trap point for each tested stacked sample, thereby resulting in the stack thickness (mils) at each pressure trap point.

StackT (trap)=StackCP (trap)−SteelCP (trap)

Where:

-   -   trap=trap point pressure     -   StackT=Thickness of Stack (at trap pressure)     -   StackCP=Crosshead position of Stack in test (at trap pressure)     -   SteelCP=Crosshead position of steel-to-steel test (at trap         pressure)

A stack of five (5) sheets of wrap material, or five usable units (uu) of paper, is prepared for testing as follows. If testing wrap material, cut five sheets of an area larger than at least 2 inches diameter, avoiding creases, folds, glued regions, and any other artifact not part of the unaltered wrap material. If testing paper, create a stack of five usable units by unfolding any folds present in each sheet, and aligning the edges to each other.

The 5 sheets (one usable unit thick each) of the same approximate dimensions, are placed one on top the other, with their MD aligned in the same direction, their outer face all pointing in the same direction, and their edges aligned +/−3 mm of each other. The portion of the stack where compression testing will take place is never to be physically touched, stretched, and/or strained (this includes never to ‘smooth out’ the surface with a hand or other apparatus prior to testing).

The 5 sheet stack is placed on the anvil, positioning it such that the pressure foot will contact the stack no closer than 5 mm from any edge. If testing paper, the foot must avoid contacting any fold creases, glue, and/or edge embossing when at all possible (for wrap material, the entire prepared stack itself already does not contain folds, glue, etc.). Additional (duplicate) tests can be performed on a different stack, or on the same stack (if adequate testing area is available), so long as the new testing location for the pressure foot is in a physically untouched spot separated by at least ¼ inch from any other previous test.

From these one or more tests, an average crosshead position of the stack at each trap pressure (i.e., StackCP(trap)) is calculated. Then, using the average steel-to-steel crosshead trap points (i.e., SteelCP(trap)), the average stack thickness at each trap (i.e., StackT(trap)) is calculated (mils).

Stack Compressibility is defined here as the absolute value of the linear slope of the stack thickness (mils) as a function of the log(10) of the compression pressure (grams/in²), by using the 15 trap points discussed previously, in a least squares regression. The units for Stack Compressibility are mils/(log(g/in²)), and is reported to the nearest 0.1 mils/(log(g/in²)). Thickness (mils) (i.e., Paper Thickness or Wrap Thickness) at any compression pressure (trap) is calculated as the StackT(trap) divided by the number of layers in the stack, and reported to the nearest 0.1 mils.

Wrap Density at a given compression pressure is calculated by dividing the Wrap Basis Weight by the thickness of the wrap at a desired compression pressure using the method described above (i.e., StackT(300) divided by the number of layers in the stack, if the thickness is taken at 300 gsi compression pressure). Wrap Density is reported in units of g/cm³. Wrap Bulk at a given compression pressure is the inverse of Wrap Density at the given compression pressure and is reported in units of cm³/g to the nearest 0.01 cm³/g.

Paper Density at a given compression pressure is calculated by dividing the Paper Basis Weight by the thickness of the sanitary tissue product at a desired compression pressure using the method described above (i.e., StackT(25) divided by the number of layers in the stack, if the thickness is taken at 25 gsi compression pressure; or StackT(100) divided by the number of layers in the stack, if the thickness is taken at 100 gsi compression pressure; or StackT(300), divided by the number of layers in the stack, if the thickness is taken at 300 gsi compression pressure). Paper Density is reported in units of g/cm³. Paper Bulk at a given compression pressure is the inverse of Paper Density at the given compression pressure and is reported in units of cm³/g to the nearest 0.01 cm³/g.

Plate Stiffness Test Method

As used herein, the “Plate Stiffness” test is a measure of stiffness of a flat sample as it is deformed downward into a hole beneath the sample. For the test, the sample is modeled as an infinite plate with thickness “t” that resides on a flat surface where it is centered over a hole with radius “R”. A central force “F” applied to the tissue directly over the center of the hole deflects the tissue down into the hole by a distance “w”. For a linear elastic material the deflection can be predicted by:

$w = {\frac{3F}{4\pi \; {Et}^{3}}\left( {1 - v} \right)\left( {3 + v} \right)R^{2}}$

where “E” is the effective linear elastic modulus, “v” is the Poisson's ratio, “R” is the radius of the hole, and “t” is the thickness of the tissue, taken as the caliper in millimeters measured on a stack of 1 to 5 tissues (or other test material) under a specified load (in grams force per square inch of area, gsi). Taking Poisson's ratio as 0.1 (the solution is not highly sensitive to this parameter, so the inaccuracy due to the assumed value is likely to be minor), the previous equation can be rewritten for “w” to estimate the effective modulus as a function of the flexibility test results:

$E \approx {\frac{3R^{2}}{4t^{3}}\frac{F}{w}}$

The test results are carried out using an MTS Alliance RT/1, Insight Renew, or similar model testing machine (MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.), with a 50 Newton load cell, and data acquisition rate of at least 25 force points per second. As a stack of five tissue sheets or wrap material (created without any bending, pressing, or straining) at least 2.5-inches by 2.5 inches, but no more than 5.0 inches by 5.0 inches, oriented in the same direction, sits centered over a hole of radius 15.75 mm on a support plate, a blunt probe of 3.15 mm radius descends at a speed of 20 mm/min.

For typical tissue paper, sample preparation consists of removing five (5) usable units, and carefully forming a 5 sheet stack, and cutting the stack in square dimensions, unfolding any folds (common in facial tissue) and avoiding creases from such folds. For packaging wrap material, sample preparation consists of creating a 5 sheet stack by cutting five sheets of an area larger than at least 2 inches diameter (no larger than 5 inches by 5 inches square) avoiding creases, folds, glued regions, and any other artifact not part of the unaltered wrap material (which is typically found on side walls of the package/box).

Basis Weight Test Method for Outer Wrap Material

Basis weight of the package wrap material is measured on stacks of four squares using a top loading analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. The balance is protected from air drafts and other disturbances using a draft shield. Cut four squares of the wrap material using a precision cutting die (or other precision cutting device) to dimensions of 2.00 in ±0.01 in by 2.00 in ±0.01 in. Measure the mass of the sample stack and record the result to the nearest 0.001 g.

The Basis Weight is calculated in lbs/3000 ft² or g/m² as follows:

Basis Weight=(Mass of stack)/[(Area of 1 layer in stack)×(Number of layers)]

For example,

Basis Weight (lbs/3000 ft²)=[[Mass of stack (g)/453.6 (g/lbs)]/[4 (in²)/144 (in²/ft²)×4]]×3000

Or,

Basis Weight (g/m²)=Mass of stack (g)/[25.806 (cm²)/10,000 (cm²/m²)×4]

Report result to the nearest 0.1 lbs/3000 ft² or 0.1 g/m². Sample dimensions can be changed or varied using a similar precision cutter as mentioned above, so as at least 10 square inches of sample area is in the stack.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

For every range cited, all 0.1 increments within the recited ranges are also specifically recited.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A soft-sided package comprising an outer wrap and a plurality of sanitary tissue products disposed within the outer wrap wherein the outer wrap comprises a structured wrap material comprising a microembossed film and the plurality of sanitary tissue products comprises a through-air-dried structured sanitary tissue product.
 2. The soft-sided package of claim 1 wherein the outer wrap comprises 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio of about 5 MPa/μm or less.
 3. A soft-sided package comprising an outer wrap substantially surrounding a stack of sanitary tissue products, wherein the package comprises a paper stack compressibility to wrap thickness ratio of about 2 per log(gsi) or greater, where the wrap thickness is measured at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.
 4. The soft-sided package of claim 1 wherein outer wrap comprises a wrap thickness, t_(wrap), of about 4 mils or less at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.
 5. The soft-sided package of claim 1, wherein the outer wrap comprises 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio of about 5 MPa/μm or less.
 6. The soft-sided package of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a paper stack compressibility to wrap thickness ratio of about 2 per log(gsi) or greater, where the wrap thickness is measured at a compression pressure of 300 gsi
 7. The soft-sided package of claim 1, wherein the outer wrap further comprises a 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio of about 5 or less MPa/μm.
 8. The soft-sided package of claim 1, wherein outer wrap comprises a wrap thickness, t_(wrap), of about 4 mils or less at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.
 9. The soft-sided package of claim 1, wherein the wrap thickness to paper thickness ratio is about 0.35 or less.
 10. The soft-sided package of claim 1, wherein the outer wrap comprises a wrap bending modulus of about 1800 MPa or less under at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.
 11. A soft-sided package comprising an outer wrap and a plurality of sanitary tissue products disposed within the outer wrap wherein the outer wrap comprises a structured wrap material comprising a microembossed film and a 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio of about 5 MPa/μm or less and wherein the plurality of sanitary tissue products comprises a structured sanitary tissue product.
 12. The soft-sided package of claim 11, wherein the package comprises a paper stack compressibility to wrap thickness ratio of about 2 per log(gsi) or greater, where the wrap thickness is measured at a compression pressure of 300 gsi
 13. The soft-sided package of claim 11, wherein the outer wrap further comprises a 1% MD secant modulus to caliper ratio of about 5 or less MPa/μm.
 14. The soft-sided package of claim 11, wherein outer wrap comprises a wrap thickness, t_(wrap), of about 4 mils or less at a compression pressure of 300 gsi.
 15. The soft-sided package of claim 11, wherein the wrap thickness to paper thickness ratio is about 0.35 or less.
 16. The soft-sided package of claim 11, wherein the outer wrap comprises a wrap bending modulus of about 1800 MPa or less under at a compression pressure of 300 gsi. 